High volume air-water separator

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for separating fluids of differing specific gravities are discussed. More specifically, apparatus and methods for separating a high volume flow mixture of air and water into an essentially dry air component and a pure water component are discussed. The separator is high volume and is structured around three physical elements which are defined as an input, a water chamber and an air separator chamber. A composite flow enters the input where most of the heavier water component separates, under the force of gravity, and flows into the water chamber. The remaining fluid, which is air and water in the form of vapor, mist, or droplets, is drawn into the air separator chamber using a vacuum pump, and subsequently flows through a condensate sub chamber which physically is an element of the air separator chamber. Any moisture in this flow is condensed within, and drained from, the condensate chamber such that dry air is discharged from the air separator chamber.

This is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/757,342filed Nov. 27, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,135 issued on Oct. 20,1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for separatingfluids of differing specific gravities, and more particularly directedtoward apparatus and methods for separating a high volume flow of fluidcomprising a mixture of air and water into an essentially dry aircomponent and a pure water component.

2. Background of the Art

Many industrial, scientific and operational procedures require theseparation of a composite fluids into components of differing specificgravity which comprise the composite.

The oil and gas industry is based upon the production of liquids fromthe earth which usually consists of a mixture of liquid and hydrocarbongas. Furthermore, the liquid usually consists of a mixture ofhydrocarbons (oil or gas condensate) and water (fresh or saline). Theproduced fluid must be separated not only to recover commercialquantities of hydrocarbon in the liquid and gas phases, but also torender the byproduct (produced water) in a form in which it can bedisposed of in an economically and environmentally acceptable manner.The chemical, pharmaceutical, food and countless other industries employapparatus and methods for separating composite fluids into theircomponents or "phases" of differing specific gravities. In mostcommercial separation procedures, it is economically desirable that theprocedure be "high volume" in that large quantities of composite fluidcan be separated in a relatively short period of time. It is alsodesirable that the separation apparatus be relatively inexpensive tofabricate, maintain and operate.

Scientific research often requires that composite fluids or slurries beseparated into components of differing specific gravities. Often,separation of components of almost equal specific gravity is required.In most scientific separation procedures, precision and accuracy are theprimary criteria, and the rate at which separation occurs is usuallysecondary. Although it is desirable to minimize the cost of scientificseparator equipment, fabrication costs, maintenance cost and operationcosts of this equipment is usually not as critical as in the case ofcommercial separator equipment.

Numerous manufacturing and production operations involve the separationof composite fluids into gas and liquid components. As discussedpreviously, hydrocarbon production requires the separation of gas andliquid hydrocarbons, and the further separation of water from theproduced fluid. Operationally, water separated from liquid hydrocarbonmust meet certain regulatory standards before the water can bedischarged into bodies of surface water or reinjected into anunderground earth formation. Copending application Ser. No. 08/757,242filed on Nov. 27, 1996 now abandoned and assigned to the assignee of thepresent application discloses apparatus and methods for temporarilylowering the ground water level in the vicinity of the an excavation,such as a pipeline trench, in order to prevent the ground water fromflooding the excavation. The technique involves applying a vacuum to aseries of suction pipes sunk around the periphery of the excavation andsunk to a depth below the maximum depth of the excavation. The vacuumpump draws ground water from the earth in the immediate vicinity of theexcavation, up through the suction pipes and into a main flow line whichempties into a holding vessel. The ground water level is therebytemporarily lowered in the vicinity of the excavation, and flooding ofthe excavation is thereby prevented until work to be done within theexcavation can be completed. Some of the suction pipes may not penetratethe level of the ground water. Furthermore, "cavitation" can occur influid drawn through suction pipes which do penetrate the ground waterlevel. The result is that the fluid drawn to the surface usuallyconsists of a mixture of water and air. It the drawn water phase is tobe reinjected into the ground water table, it is usually required thatit be reinjected as drawn (i.e. without air). The drawn fluid must,therefore, be separated into an air and a water component beforedisposal.

Gravity separators have been used commercially for decades to separatecomposite fluids with components of differing specific gravities.Separator tanks are typically cylindrical. Composite liquid is typicallypumped into the tank where it remains for a time sufficient to allowcomponents of differing specific gravity to separate under the influenceof gravity. The separator tank has as least two outlets for withdrawingseparated fluid components. For purposes of discussion, assume that thecomposite fluid comprises a liquid phase and a gas phase. One outlet ispositioned at, or very near, the bottom of the tank and is used towithdraw the heavier liquid phase which settles to the lower portion ofthe tank. A second outlet is positioned at or very near the top of thetank and is used to withdraw the component of lower specific gravitywhich is, in this example, gas which collects at the top of the tank. Itshould be noted that gravity separators can contain more that twooutlets, and can be used to separate composite fluids containing morethat two components. A notable example is the previously discussed fluidproduced by the hydrocarbon industry which typically comprises water,liquid hydrocarbon (oil and gas condensate), and natural gas. Gravityseparators are considered to be "low volume" separators in that time isrequired for components to "gravity" separate, especially if there islittle difference in specific gravities. In order to increase volumethrough-put, gravity separators can be quite large, very immobile, andexpensive to fabricate and to maintain.

Other approaches have been applied to the separation of composite fluidsin order to overcome some of the disadvantages of gravity separators.One such approach involves forcing the fluid to flow, under highpressure, in a helical path thereby separating components of differingspecific gravity using centrifugal force. These devices are shapedsomewhat like a rifled gun barrel and are known generically, at least inthe petroleum industry, as "hydroclones". Hydroclones are applicable toseparating components with significantly different specific gravities,such as water and free gas. The physical size of a hydroclone require toseparate a given volume of composite liquid-gas fluid is much smallerthan a gravity separator required to process the same volume. As anexample, an average sized person can lift a hydroclone which willprocess the same volume of "two-phase" fluid as a gravity separator thesize of a bed room. Hydroclones are, therefore, generally considered tobe "high volume" separators, at least for their relative size.Hydroclones are not, however, efficient at separating fluid componentssuch a gas containing liquid droplets or mist.

Other centrifugal systems have been developed to separate components offluid mixtures, wherein the specific gravities of the components differby as little as a few thousandths. These are low volume devices, andmotor driven at tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. These aretypically large and very expensive to fabricate, operate, and maintain.As a result, these separators are more ideally suited for scientificapplications, or for specialty type manufacturing processes.

In summary, some separator technologies available in the prior art aredirected toward low volume output, or are required to be physicallylarge and very immobile for high volume output. The gravity separator isan example of this technology. Other technologies are directed towardhigh volume output but require substantial differences in specificgravities of the components. The hydroclone separator is an example ofthis technology. Still other technologies are directed toward preciseand accurate separation of fluid phases with slightly differing specificgravities, but are expensive to fabricate and to maintain and tooperate. The centrifugal separator is an example of this technology.

An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methodswhich can separate high volumes of composite fluid into components ofsignificantly differing specific gravity such as air and water.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide apparatusand methods for extracting the gas component from a gas-liquid compositefluid, wherein the gas component is essentially free of liquid andtherefore considered "dry".

A further object of the present invention is to provide apparatus tomeet the previously defined objects, wherein the apparatus is physicallysmall, mobile, and relatively inexpensive to fabricate, to operate andto maintain.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide apparatusto meet the previously defined object which is rugged and highlyreliable from an operational viewpoint.

There are other objects and applications of the present invention whichwill become apparent in the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The high volume separator presented in this disclosure is structuredaround three physical elements which will be defined as an input, awater chamber and an air separator chamber. The function of eachelement, the functional relation between the elements, and othercomponents of the system will be summarized in the following section.

Composite fluid enters the separator at the fluid input. Composite fluidis delivered to the input, under pressure, by any suitable conduit suchas a pipe. For purposes of discussion, it will be assumed that thecomposite fluid to be separated consists of a water phase and an airphase. It should be understood, however, that the composite fluid canconsist of any liquid and any gas.

The water chamber is mounted below the input, and a flow path existsbetween the input and the water chamber. Connection is preferably madewith industry standard flanges. As the fluid enters the input, theheavier water component tends to initially separate under the force ofgravity and collect in the water chamber which is positioned below thelevel of the input. Water is discharged from the water chamberpreferably by means of a water pump. The input of the water pump isconnected to the water chamber by means of a suitable conduit, such as ahose or pipe, at a water chamber outlet. Connection is preferably madeusing industry standard flanges. The water chamber outlet is located ata level at or near the bottom of the water chamber such that most or allof the water collected within the chamber can be directly purged by theaction of the water pump. The water chamber is preferably, but notnecessarily, cylindrical in shape.

The air separation chamber is mounted at a level above the fluid input,and a flow path exists between the input and the air separation chamber.As the composite fluid enters the separator at the fluid input, thelighter air component tends to separate and is drawn into the elevatedair separation chamber preferably by a cooperating vacuum pump. Watercan also enter the air separation chamber depending upon the fraction ofwater in the composite fluid (i.e. the water "cut" of the fluid), thevolume input rate of the composite fluid, the rate that water is beingpurged from the water chamber by the water pump, and the rate at whereair is purged from the air separation chamber as will be discussedsubsequently. Furthermore, the air as it enters the air separationchamber is not "dry", but is "moist" in the sense that it still containsa significant amount of water in the form of vapor, mist or droplets.

The moist air within the air separation chamber is forced to flow, bymeans of a serpentine path, through a condensate chamber within the airseparation chamber. The condensate chamber contains material whichremoves or "condenses" the remaining water from the moist air. Thismaterial is preferably spongy, open cell spheres closely packed withinthe condensate chamber to force, along with a baffle, the air to followa tortuous, serpentine path. Moisture collects on these balls, anddrains, under the force of gravity, to the bottom of the condensatechamber where it is removed by means of a drain located at or near thelowest elevation of the condensate chamber. Dried air is then purgedfrom the condensate chamber portion of the air separation chamber bymeans of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump connects to the condensatechamber by means of a suitable conduit, such as a hose or pipe, at anair outlet fitting which is positioned near the top of the condensatechamber. Connection is made preferably using industry standard flanges.

As mentioned previously, water in the contiguous liquid phase can enterthe air separation chamber, depending upon input fluid water cut, inputfluid volume rate, water output rate, and dry air output rate. If thelevel of this water were allowed to rise unchecked within the airseparation chamber, it would eventually enter the condensate chamberthereby negating the air drying properties of this "sub" chamber. Toprevent this, a float and valve arrangement is employed within the airseparation chamber. The float "rides" on the level of any contiguouswater that might enter the air separation chamber. If the water levelwithin the air separation chamber rises above a predetermine level, thefloat moves upwardly within the chamber to an extent that it closes, bymeans of a valve, the flow path between the main air separation chamberand the condensate chamber. This terminates moist air flow into thecondensate chamber. More importantly, valve closure prevents anycontiguous water from flowing into the condensate chamber. Statedanother way, flow from the separator input into the air separationchamber is temporarily halted after compression of air within the mainair separation chamber generates a pressure equal to the input fluidpressure. Flow is automatically restarted when the water pump can purgesufficient water from the water chamber, the abnormally high water levelwithin the air separation chamber falls, the position of the floatlikewise falls such that the valve again opens the flow passage betweenthe main air separation chamber and the condensate chamber.

The air separation chamber is preferably cylindrical in shape, andtapers in a conical form to a standard flange fitting at the separatorinput. Details of the float and valve assembly will be discussed indetail in a subsequent section of this disclosure. The separator istypically about three feet in height and two feet in diameter. Thisresults in a very light, portable separator which, for its size, handlesa very high volume of composite fluid. Essentially all moisture isremoved from the separated gas, which is air in the previous discussion.The entire separator is inexpensive to fabricate as will become apparentin the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments ofthe invention. There are few moving parts which minimizes maintenancecosts and increases reliability. The separator is also very rugged andsuitable for all types of harsh environment applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages andobjects of the present invention are attained and can be understood indetail, a more particular description of the invention, brieflysummarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereofwhich are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the separator unit, and also showsthe cooperating water pump and vacuum pump;

FIG. 2a is a more detailed side sectional view of the air separatorchamber illustrating more clearly the float and valve arrangement;

FIG. 2b is a top sectional view of the air separator chamber;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a disk shaped float and attached valveassembly;

FIG. 4a is a front view of the valve race and slotted flow passagebetween the main region of the air separator chamber and the condensatechamber;

FIG. 4b is a side view of the valve assembly including valve disks,spring, and valve races;

FIG. 4c is a front view of a valve disk clearly illustrating, aperipheral O-ring groove;

FIG. 4d is a view of a valve pad illustrating a spring seat; and

FIG. 4e is an alternate seal to the version of FIG. 4a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Attention is directed to FIG. 1 which shows a cross sectional view ofthe separator. This view is designed to present an overview of theelements of the separator, and to illustrate their functionaloperational relationships. More detailed views of the invention will bepresented in subsequent drawings and discussed in detail.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the composite fluid input is identified bythe numeral 10. Composite fluid, conceptually illustrated with the arrow12, is delivered to the input 10 by any suitable conduit such as a pipeor hose. A water chamber 14 is attached to the lower side of the input10 by means of the preferably industry standard flanges 18 and 18'. Aflow path exists between the input 10 and the water chamber 14 throughthese flanges. As the fluid (represented by the arrow 12) enters theinput 10, the heavier water component, represented by the arrow 13,tends to initially separate and flow under the force of gravity andcollect in the water chamber 14. Water is pumped from the water chamberby means of a water pump 24. The input of the water pump is connected tothe water chamber 14 by means of a suitable conduit 22, such as a hoseor pipe, at a water chamber outlet 16. Connection is preferably madeusing industry standard flanges 20 and 20. The water chamber outlet 16is located at a level at, or near, the bottom of the water chamber 14such that most or all of the water collected within the chamber can bedirectly purged by the action of the water pump 24. The water chamber ispreferably, but not necessarily, cylindrical in shape.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the air separation chamber is designated as aunit by the numeral 30. The chamber 30 is mounted at a level above thefluid input 10, and a flow path exists between the input 10 and the airseparation chamber 30. As the composite fluid enters the separator atthe fluid input 10, the lighter air component, traveling conceptuallyalong the arrow 50, tends to separate and flow into the region 52 of theelevated air separation chamber 30. Water can also enter the airseparation chamber depending upon the fraction of water in the compositefluid (i.e. the water "cut" of the fluid), the volume input rate of thecomposite fluid, the rate that water is being purged from the waterchamber by the water pump 24, and the rate at which air is purged fromthe air separation chamber 30 as will be discussed subsequently. Asmentioned previously, the separated air is moist in the sense that itcan still contains a significant amount of water in the form of vapor,mist or droplets.

The moist air within the air separation chamber 30 is forced to flow, bymeans of a serpentine path, through a condensate chamber 81 which ispreferably formed by partitioning a portion of the air separationchamber 30. More specifically, the condensate chamber is defined by aportion of the wall of the air separation chamber 30, a baffle 36, and atop plate 72. Additional views, and a more detailed description of thecondensate chamber 81, which can be thought of as a sub chamber withinthe air separation chamber, will be presented in following sections. Thecondensate chamber 81 contains material 42 which removes or "condenses"the remaining water from the moist air. The material 42 is preferablyspongy, open cell spheres closely packed within the condensate chamber81 to force, along with a baffle 40, the air to follow a tortuous,serpentine path. Moisture collects on the balls 42, and drains, underthe force of gravity, to the bottom of the condensate chamber where itis removed by means of a drain 43 located at or near the lowestelevation of the condensate chamber 81. Dried air is then purged fromthe condensate chamber 81 portion of the air separation chamber 30 bymeans of a vacuum pump 82. The vacuum pump connects to the condensatechamber 81 by means of a suitable conduit 84, such as a hose or pipe, atan air outlet 80 which is positioned near the top of the condensatechamber. Connection is made preferably using industry standard flanges83 and 83'.

As discussed previously, water in the contiguous liquid phase can enterthe region 52 of the air separation chamber 30, depending upon inputfluid water cut, input fluid volume rate, water output rate, and dry airoutput rate. If the level of this water were allowed to rise uncheckedwithin the air separation chamber 30, it would eventually enter thecondensate chamber 81 thereby negating the air drying properties of thischamber. To prevent this, a float 62 and valve arrangement 70 isemployed within the air separation chamber 81. The float 62 slidesupwardly and downwardly on guide rods 38 (only one shown in FIG. 1). Thefloat is further contained by the baffles 34 and 36 and valve raceswhich are depicted more clearly in FIG. 2a. Confined as described, thefloat 62 "rides" on the level of any water that might enter the airseparation chamber 30. If the water level within the air separationchamber 30 rises above a predetermined level, the float 62 movesupwardly to an extent that it closes, by means of a valve 70, the flowpath 90 between the region 52 of the main air separation chamber 30 andthe condensate "sub-chamber" 81. This terminates moist air flow into thecondensate chamber 81. More importantly, closure of the path 90 by thevalve 70 prevents any contiguous water from flowing into the condensatechamber 81. Stated another way, flow from the separator input 10 intothe region 52 of the air separation chamber 30 is temporarily haltedafter compression of air within the main air separation chamber 30generates a back-pressure equal to the input fluid pressure. Flow isautomatically restarted when the water pump 24 can purge sufficientwater from the water chamber 14, the abnormally high water level withinthe air separation chamber 30 falls, and the position of the float 62likewise moves downwardly such that the valve 70 opens the flow passage90 between the region 52 of the main air separation chamber 30 and thecondensate chamber 81.

The air separation chamber 30 is preferably cylindrical in shape, andtapers conically to a standard flange fitting at the separator input.Details of the float and valve assembly will be discussed in detail in asubsequent section of this disclosure. The separator is preferably aboutthree feet in height and two feet in diameter. This results in a verylight, portable separator which, for its size, handles a very highvolume of composite fluid. Essentially all moisture is removed from theseparated gas, which is air in the pervious discussion. The entireseparator is inexpensive to fabricate as will become in the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.There are few moving parts which minimizes maintenance costs andincreases reliability. The separator is also very rugged and suitablefor all types of harsh environment applications.

FIG. 2a is a side view of the air separator chamber 30 and more clearlyillustrates key components of the valve and float assembly. The valve 70comprises two preferably circular pads 112 and 114 which are seatedagainst the valve races 110 and 110' by the force of the compressedspring 116. The valve races 110 and 110' are recessed in race retainers111 and 111' which, in turn are affixed to the baffles 34 and 36,respectively, which also confine the float 62. A cylinder 160 confinesthe pads and spring, and is affixed to the top of the float 62. As thefloat 62 is guided by the rods 38 and baffles 34 and 36, and moves upand down with the water level within the air separator chamber 30, thevalve pads 112 and 114 slide along their respective races 110 and 110'.In FIG. 2a, the position of the float is such that the valve pad 114closes the passage 90 thereby restricting flow of moisture ladened airinto the condensate chamber 81. Movement of the float and attached valveassembly is limited in the upward direction by the plate 72, and limitedin the downward direction by the wall of the chamber 30.

The dimensions 130, 132, and 134 are preferably 24, 9 and 6 inches,respectively. The flange 32 is preferably a standard 6 inch flange, andis offset from the major axis of the air separator chamber by about 6inches. The top of the chamber 30 is defined by a dome plate 60 which isdesigned to withstand internal vacuum applied to the chamber by thevacuum pump 82, and is preferably affixed to the cylindrical portion ofthe chamber by a bolted flange assembly as illustrated. It should beunderstood that the recited dimensions are typical, and they can bevaried without significantly affecting the operation of the invention.

FIG. 2b is a top sectional view of the air separation chamber at theoutput 80 and passage 90. Here, the valve assembly 70 has been omittedfor clarity. The two guide rods 38 upon which the float 62 slides areclearly shown in this view, and the positions of the baffles 34, 36 and40 are further defined. The dimensions 136, 138, and 140 are preferably12, 7 and 24 inches, respectively, but can be varied withoutsignificantly affecting the operation of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the disk shaped float 62 and attached valveassembly cylinder 160. The float is preferably made from a closed cellfoam material to produce the required buoyancy. The diameter 250 of thefloat disk is preferably 12 inches, and the thickness of the disk isnominally 7 inches (see FIG. 2b). The float is penetrated by two guiderod tubes 238 which are preferably made from 3/8 inch stainless steeltubing with an inside diameter 244 sufficient large to receivepreferably 1/2 inch guide rods 38 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b). The diameter242 of the valve assembly 160 is preferably about 31/2 inches andretains valve pads 112 and 114, each of which has a diameter 240 ofabout 3 inches. Again, it should be understood that these reciteddimensions can be varied without significantly altering the performanceof the invention.

FIG. 4a is a front view of the valve race 110' which is recessed withinthe race retainer 111'. The valve races are preferably made frompolyethylene or polypropylene. The input passage into the condensatechamber 81 is preferably a series of slotted openings 90 rather that asingle opening. The "ribs" between the slotted openings 90 providemechanical support to receive the force of the valve pad 114 exerted bythe spring 116. Furthermore, the slots define essentially a circular"footprint" which is conveniently and fully covered by the circularvalve pad 114 when the valve 70 is fully closed.

FIG. 4b is a more detailed side view of the valve assembly 70 mounted onthe float 62, where the valve assembly is positioned such that thepassage 90 is open. The faces of the cylindrical valve pads 114 and 112contact and seal with the valve races 110' and 110, by means of O-ring121 and 123, respectively. The O-rings 121 and 123 are retained inperipheral O-ring groves 119 and 125, respectively. Altered and improvedsealing is provided in FIG. 4e which shows a second seal member 115. Notonly is there an O-ring as before, a second seal 115 is received in amatching groove and supports a protruding lip forming a circular contactaround the pad. The lip is biased into contact.

FIG. 4c is a front view of the valve disk 114 which clearly illustratesa peripheral O-ring grove 119. FIG. 4d is a side view of the valve pad114 illustrating a spring seat 117 to receive one end of the spring 116.It should be understood that the geometry of the valve pad 116 isidentical to the geometry of the valve pad 114.

In addition, the float valve operated equipment between the baffles 34and 36 can be replicated serially with the valve opening into anothercondensate chamber 81 with a set of spheres 42. With two or more, thedrying is better. Methods as disclosed above meet all of the statedobjects of the present invention, and provide a high volume, gas-liquidseparator with features not available in the prior art.

While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments, the scopethereof is determined by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for separating a composite fluidinto a liquid component and a dry gas component, the apparatuscomprising:(a) an inlet to receive said composite fluid; (b) a liquidchamber connected to said inlet so that at least a portion of saidliquid component of said composite fluid flows down into said liquidchamber; and (c) a gas separation chamber connected to said inlet sothat a gas component of said composite fluid flows into said gasseparation chamber, wherein said gas separation chamber comprises(i) acondensate chamber into which said gas component flows horizontallythrough a valve seat into said condensation chamber and along a gas flowpath defined by a solid material defining an elongate serpentineseparation flow path, and which removes vapor from said gas componentthereby separating said gas component into said liquid component andsaid dry gas component, and (ii) a valve assembly comprising a valve padconveyed by a float and which cooperates with said valve seat toterminate the flow of said gas into said condensate chamber, by closingsaid gas flow path, when the level of said liquid within said airseparation chamber reaches a predetermined level.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein:(a) said float moves with said level of liquid componentwithin said air separation chamber; (b) wherein said valve assemblycloses said flow path into said condensate chamber, by means of saidvalve pad covering said valve seat, when said predetermined level ofliquid component is reached; and (c) wherein said valve assembly openssaid flow path by removing said valve pad from said valve seat when saidliquid level recedes from said predetermined level.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said valve assembly comprises:(a) said float supportedon rising liquid in said apparatus; (b) a float guide limiting movementthereof along a vertical path; and wherein (c) said valve seatcooperates with said pad conveyed by a vertical movement of said floatto close said gas flow path dependent on liquid level.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3 wherein said valve pad is affixed to the side of said float.5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said float is buoyant sand guided ona vertical rod.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said float comprisesa hollow body surrounding said rod.
 7. A method for separating acomposite fluid into a liquid component and a dry gas component,comprising the steps of:(a) flowing said composite fluid into an inlet;(b) allowing said liquid component to separate and to flow into a lowerliquid chamber; (c) allowing a gas component to rise to flow into anelevated gas chamber, wherein said gas separation chamber comprises acondensate chamber receiving said gas component flow horizontallythrough a valve seat into said condensation chamber, to separate saidgas component into said liquid component and said dry gas component; (d)operating a valve assembly comprising a pad and valve seat with a gasflow path into said condensate chamber thereby terminating the flow ofsaid gas component into said condensate chamber when a level of saidliquid component within said air separation chamber reaches apredetermined level; (e) operating said valve assembly, to open said gasflow path at said valve seat and into said condensate chamber therebyinitiating the flow of said gas component through said valve seat andinto said condensate chamber when said level of said liquid within saidchamber recedes from said predetermined level; and wherein said gas isflowed through said condensate chamber in a serpentine path defined bymaterial therein to condense liquid from said gas thereby yielding drygas output from said condensate chamber.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein:(a) said pad is conveyed by a float; and (b) said float moveswith said level of liquid component within said gas separation chamber.9. An apparatus for separating a composite fluid into a liquid componentand a gas component, the apparatus comprising:(a) an inlet to receive acomposite fluid; (b) a liquid chamber connected to said inlet to enableat least a portion of said liquid component of said composite fluid toseparate by gravity and flow into said liquid chamber; and (c) a gasseparation chamber connected to said inlet to enable a gas component ofsaid composite fluid to flow into said gas separation chamber, whereinsaid gas separation chamber comprises(i) a condensate chamber receivingsaid gas component flow along a gas flow path, wherein said condensatechamberremoves vapor from said gas component thereby separating said gascomponent into said liquid component and said gas component, andencloses a material surface to condense liquid from said gas component,and is configured so that said gas component flows in a serpentine paththrough said material thereby condensing liquid from said gas componentthereby drying said gas component, and (ii) a valve assembly whichterminates the flow of said gas into said condensate chamber, by closingsaid gas flow path, when the level of said liquid within said gasseparation chamber reaches a predetermined level.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein said material surface comprises closely packed, opencell spheres.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said condensatechamber comprises at least one baffle.
 12. An apparatus for separating acomposite fluid into a liquid component and a dry gas component, theapparatus comprising:(a) an inlet to receive a composite fluid; (b) aliquid chamber connected to said inlet to enable at least a portion ofsaid liquid component of said composite fluid to separate by gravity andflow into said liquid chamber; and (c) a gas separation chamberconnected to said inlet to enable a gas component of said compositefluid to flow into said gas separation chamber, wherein said separationchamber comprises(i) a condensate chamber receiving said gas componentflows along a gas flow path, and which removes vaporized liquid fromsaid gas component thereby separating said liquid component from saidgas component, and (ii) a valve assembly controlling the flow of saidgas into said condensate chamber by closing said gas flow path when thelevel of said liquid within said gas separation chamber reaches apredetermined level, and wherein said valve assembly comprisesa floatsupported on rising liquid in said chamber, wherein said float supportsa movable pad sized to close a fluid flow opening, and wherein a springurges said pad into contact with said opening to close said opening, anda float guide limiting movement thereof along a defined path, and avalve seal cooperative with said float to close said gas flow pathdependent on liquid level.
 13. A method for separating a composite fluidinto separated liquid and a dry gas component, comprising the stepsof:(a) flowing said composite fluid into an inlet; (b) separating saidliquid component to a lower liquid chamber; (c) separating a gascomponent from the composite fluid by flowing into an elevated gaschamber, wherein said elevated gas chamber comprises a condensatechamber to separate said gas component into separated liquid removedfrom said gas component; (d) closing a gas flow path into saidcondensate chamber thereby terminating flow into said condensate chamberdependent on liquid component level within said elevated gas chamber andwherein(i) a valve element is conveyed by a float, and (ii) and saidfloat is responsive to the level of liquid within said elevated gaschamber; and (e) opening said gas flow path into said condensate chamberthereby initiating the flow along said gas path into said condensatechamber responsive to the liquid level in said elevated chamber;(i)wherein said gas is flowed through said condensate chamber in aserpentine path, and (ii) wherein said condensate chamber containsmaterial which condenses liquid from said gas enabling gas flow outputfrom said condensate chamber.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein saidstep of opening includes responsively moving said valve element intooperative alignment with rising liquid.